I know this is a weird question to ask on a RV website, but sometimes you have to travel without your home-on-wheels......so what motel chain do you use when traveling, that is pet-friendly....especially without an extra charge for the furkids?

Best Western has the most pet friendly locations of any chain I've seen based on their on-line directory. But since it is a franchise pet policies, and prices, can vary widely between locations so you definitely want to call ahead.

In the last few years we have taken "MISSUFIT" where we go.
In the Portland, OR area we stay at a Holiday Inn, they do require a "pet deposit" but we pony up the bucks like we would if we had a grand kid with us.

In Newport, OR. we stay at the Shilo Inn ocean front they charge the same "pet deposit" but again we pony up.

If it is important enough one must be willing to deal with the financial responsibility of traveling with a pet.

We call the places near where we need to be till one is found that allows pets and the ask about deposits, some tell us up front that there is one and how much it is.

Not all hotels charge a fee, some are free, some charge a deposit that is refunded when the room is inspected prior to moving out (provided there is no damage and no doggie land mines laying around )
Some charge a fee for each day, or a fee for EACH dog, some charge a fee regardless of how many dogs per day, and some charge a fee that is for the entire stay.
I've had it all, from a hotel in TN that upfront charged me $25 deposit, but when I left three days later, and the asst. manager, said all was ok, refunded the deposit.
In a hotel in Pocatello it was $10.00 for all three nights (but that was only one dog at that time...I believe it would have been $20.00 for all three nights if both dogs had been with me).
Hotel outside of Denver was $10.00 per night, the year I picked up my trailer; a year later, same hotel was $40.00 per night fee. I went elsewhere.

It's been awhile so not sure about charges but super 8, motel 6 and holiday inn are usually pet friendly. Of those super 8 and motel 6 you have to be careful. I have stayed at some really nice ones and some really shady ones.

I have used Red Roof and Motel 6 mainly, because ALL their motels are pet-friendly, at no extra $$$, and my Chihuahua doesn't fit the weight limit or the dangerous breed catagory.

Both chains in my opinion, are a roof over my head, a place to clean up, and a place to sleep, nothing fancy. I can over-look decor issues and minor flaws.

But on my last trip to Florida and back, I had issues with both chains. Can you imagine being very tired, you get a room, open the door and.....wait for it.....wait for it.....there is nothing in the room! no carpet, no bed, no desk, no tv....nothing!!!

Half-way is Statesville NC, on my trip from Akron, Ohio to Flagler Beach, Florida, so I kinda plan to stay in that area.

I don't make reservations because, I travel alone.....and you know that old saying that starts out "Best laid plans.....".

Being the only driver.....what happens if I get sick and can't drive anymore....or....the weather turns bad and you have to get off the road....or.....you have car troubles.....or....there is an accident blocking the highway for hours....etc.

OR, what if I really feel good and can drive for another couple hours, making the next days trip shorter!!!

In any of the above situations, I don't want to have to get off at each exit, drive to each motel, walk inside to check out IF they allow pets, and then maybe have to find another motel, and repeat.

It is much easier for me to make a LIST of motels along my route that ARE pet-friendly, so at a quick glance, I know which city, which exit I need. I have spent hours on the internet checking out many motel chains....but everything looks good on paper.....that is why I posted my original question, to get feedback from real live people.

I guess sometimes I am too anal about being prepared, but then again, maybe not!